Empathize
Empathize
Students will analyze how stop motion films communicate science, then gather first-round audience evidence through observation and interviews to identify what makes a science animation clear, accurate, and engaging for real viewers.
Days 1 - 2
Define
Define
Students will sort evidence from early user and science research, distinguish problems from solutions, and write a clear How Might We statement that can guide a stop motion science film.
Days 3 - 4
Ideate
Ideate
Students will use evidence from earlier user research and science learning to generate multiple stop motion film ideas, compare them against audience needs and NGSS accuracy, and choose a strong direction for a prototype.
Days 5 - 7
Draft
Draft
Students will turn selected science-film ideas into working stop motion drafts by refining scientific sequences, scripting visuals and narration, building simple sets and characters, and filming a first prototype clip that can be tested in the next phase.
Days 8 - 11
Test
Test
Students will test their draft stop motion science films with peers and an outside audience, collect evidence about science accuracy and audience understanding, and use that evidence to document targeted revisions for the next phase.
Days 12 - 14
Critique
Critique
Students will analyze draft stop motion science films with a clear critique protocol, use evidence from NGSS science accuracy and audience understanding, and revise their team film plans before final polishing.
Days 15 - 17
Notice & Reflect
Notice & Reflect
Students will finalize and present their stop motion science films, study audience responses, and document how evidence, feedback, and revision shaped their final communication of an NGSS science concept.
Days 18 - 20
Empathize
Days 1–2
Day 1
🎬 Stop Motion Science Noticings
Launch
45m
Day 2
🗣️ Audience Interview Notes
Community Experience
45m
Define
Days 3–4
Day 3
🧠 Evidence Sort for Science Viewers
Knowledge/Skill Building
40m
Day 4
🎬 How Might We for Stop Motion
Deliverable
45m
Ideate
Days 5–7
Day 5
🧠 NGSS Film Idea Burst
Knowledge/Skill Building
35m
Day 6
🎬 Storyboard Sketch Sprint
Project Work
45m
Day 7
✅ Concept Pitch Decision Board
Deliverable
45m
Draft
Days 8–11
Day 8
🎬 Storyboard-to-Shot List Workshop
Knowledge/Skill Building
35m
Day 9
🧪 Science Script Accuracy Check
Knowledge/Skill Building
40m
Day 10
🛠️ Set and Character Prototype Build
Project Work
45m
Day 11
📱 Ten-Second Science Film Draft
Deliverable
45m
Test
Days 12–14
Day 12
📝 Feedback Notes for Science Films
Knowledge/Skill Building
30m
Day 13
🎬 Peer Screening of Draft Clips
Deliverable
45m
Day 14
👥 User Interviews and Revision Plan
Community Experience
45m
Critique
Days 15–17
Day 15
🎬 Stop Motion Critique Moves
Knowledge/Skill Building
35m
Day 16
🗂️ Draft Film Feedback Round
Deliverable
45m
Day 17
✏️ Revision Log and Reshoot Plan
Project Work
45m
Notice & Reflect
Days 18–20
Day 18
🗣️ Creator Reflection Rehearsal
Knowledge/Skill Building
40m
Day 19
🎬 Science Film Festival Premiere
Community Experience
45m
Day 20
📊 Evidence-to-Film Portfolio Check
Assessment
45m
September 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
28
Day 1
Empathize
🎬 Stop Motion Science Noticings
29
Day 2
🗣️ Audience Interview Notes
30
Day 3
Define
🧠 Evidence Sort for Science Viewers
1
Day 4
🎬 How Might We for Stop Motion
2
Day 5
Ideate
🧠 NGSS Film Idea Burst
October 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
5
Day 6
🎬 Storyboard Sketch Sprint
6
Day 7
✅ Concept Pitch Decision Board
7
Day 8
Draft
🎬 Storyboard-to-Shot List Workshop
8
Day 9
🧪 Science Script Accuracy Check
9
Day 10
🛠️ Set and Character Prototype Build
12
Day 11
📱 Ten-Second Science Film Draft
13
Day 12
Test
📝 Feedback Notes for Science Films
14
Day 13
🎬 Peer Screening of Draft Clips
15
Day 14
👥 User Interviews and Revision Plan
16
Day 15
Critique
🎬 Stop Motion Critique Moves
19
Day 16
🗂️ Draft Film Feedback Round
20
Day 17
✏️ Revision Log and Reshoot Plan
21
Day 18
Notice & Reflect
🗣️ Creator Reflection Rehearsal
22
Day 19
🎬 Science Film Festival Premiere
23
Day 20
📊 Evidence-to-Film Portfolio Check